AP Biology Questions on Threats to Biodiversity

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🌍 Habitat Loss: The primary threat. Conversion of natural habitats to agriculture, urban areas, etc. leads to species displacement or extinction.
• 🔥 Deforestation: Reduces biodiversity by destroying habitats and increasing carbon dioxide levels.
• 🧪 Pollution: Chemicals, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff contaminate ecosystems, harming species.
• 🐟 Overexploitation: Unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, such as overfishing, can deplete populations.
• invasive Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native species that compete with or prey on native species.
• 🌡️ Climate Change: Alters habitats and species distributions, leading to mismatches and extinctions.
• 🧬 Biodiversity Hotspots: Regions with high concentrations of endemic species facing significant habitat loss.
• 📝 Endangered Species Act (ESA): Legislation in the U.S. providing protection to endangered and threatened species.
• 🔢 Population Viability Analysis (PVA): A method to assess the probability of a population persisting for a certain time.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the leading cause of biodiversity loss?
   1. A) Climate change
   2. B) Habitat destruction
   3. C) Invasive species
   4. D) Pollution
2. Deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss primarily by:
   1. A) Increasing oxygen levels
   2. B) Decreasing carbon dioxide levels
   3. C) Destroying habitats
   4. D) Reducing soil erosion
3. The introduction of the brown tree snake to Guam is an example of which threat to biodiversity?
   1. A) Habitat loss
   2. B) Pollution
   3. C) Overexploitation
   4. D) Invasive species
4. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of climate change on biodiversity?
   1. A) Shifts in species distribution
   2. B) Coral bleaching
   3. C) Decreased ocean acidity
   4. D) Increased frequency of extreme weather events
5. What does the term "biodiversity hotspot" refer to?
   1. A) Areas with low species diversity
   2. B) Regions with high concentrations of endemic species facing habitat loss
   3. C) Areas with minimal human impact
   4. D) Regions with high pollution levels
6. Overfishing is an example of:
   1. A) Habitat restoration
   2. B) Sustainable resource management
   3. C) Overexploitation
   4. D) Pollution control
7. Which U.S. law provides protection to endangered and threatened species?
   1. A) Clean Air Act
   2. B) Endangered Species Act
   3. C) Clean Water Act
   4. D) National Environmental Policy Act